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Schweiger L, Hafner F, Meinitzer A, Brodmann M, Dejaco C, Jud P. Association of clinical, imaging and laboratory parameters with adverse effects of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with giant cell arteritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1382946. [PMID: 38841591 PMCID: PMC11150613 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1382946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is characterized by inflammation of large and medium vessels. First-line therapy for the treatment of GCA are glucocorticoids, which are effective while potential adverse effects should be considered, especially during long-term use. The aim was to investigate the incidence of glucocorticoids' adverse effects and potential predictors for them. Materials and methods 138 GCA patients were retrospectively evaluated for newly developed glucocorticoid adverse effects in 2020. Potential predictors, defined as initial glucocorticoid pulse therapy, relapse of GCA and concomitant polymyalgia rheumatica as well as parameters of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, including pulse-wave velocity and intima-media-thickness, were measured in 2012. Results Potential new glucocorticoid adverse effects per patient was 1 (25th-75th 0-3) of which chronic kidney disease progression (29%), bone fractures (23.2%), cataracts (18.1%), dementia, and arterial hypertension (each at 12.3%) were most commonly recorded. Significant associations were found between occurrence of any relapse and new diabetes mellitus and between initial glucocorticoid pulse therapy and new dementia (all with p < 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis, any relapse was a predictor for developing diabetes mellitus (OR 9.23 [95% CI 1.33-64.05], p = 0.025). However, no correlations were observed between endothelial dysfunction or inflammatory parameters and development of new glucocorticoid adverse effects. Conclusion GCA relapses may be associated for development of diabetes mellitus potentially by increasing glucocorticoid doses. Parameters of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are not suited predictors for glucocorticoid adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Schweiger
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Franz Hafner
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Meinitzer
- Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marianne Brodmann
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Brunico (SABES-ASDAA), Brunico, Italy
| | - Philipp Jud
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Triantafyllias K, Thiele LE, Mandel A, Cavagna L, Baraliakos X, Bertsias G, Hasseli R, Minnich P, Schwarting A. Arterial Stiffness as a Surrogate Marker of Cardiovascular Disease and Atherosclerosis in Patients with Vasculitides: A Literature Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3603. [PMID: 38132187 PMCID: PMC10743173 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13243603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculitis, a group of systemic inflammatory diseases that affect the cardiovascular (CV) system, presents with a variety of clinical manifestations that depend on the size of the affected blood vessels. While some types of vasculitis reveal distinct symptoms, others are characterized by more diffuse and nonspecific presentations that can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation. Interestingly, patients with vasculitides share a significant comorbidity: an elevated CV risk, contributing to increased rates of CV events and mortality. This heightened risk is caused by cumulative inflammatory burden, traditional CV risk factors, medication effects, and reduced physical fitness. Traditional risk assessment tools, commonly used in the general population, frequently underestimate the CV risk in patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Consequently, novel approaches are necessary to stratify the precise CV risk in vasculitis patients. A number of surrogate parameters for CV risk have been investigated, with arterial stiffness emerging as a promising marker. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a well-established method for assessing arterial stiffness and predicting CV risk across different populations. Among numerous PWV variants, carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) stands out as the most extensively studied and accepted reference standard. It has demonstrated its utility as a surrogate CV parameter both in the general population and in patients with systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. In recent years, research has expanded to assess arterial stiffness in systemic rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis, connective tissue diseases, rheumatologic overlap syndromes, and chronic pain disorders, using measurements of PWV and other markers of arterial compliance and elasticity. Despite burgeoning research in rheumatologic diseases, data on CV risk markers in vasculitides remain limited and fragmented. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of arterial stiffness as a potential screening marker for CV diseases, atheromatosis, and ultimately CV risk among patients with vasculitides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Triantafyllias
- Rheumatology Center Rhineland-Palatinate, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Str. 9-11, 55543 Bad Kreuznach, Germany (P.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Leif-Erik Thiele
- Rheumatology Center Rhineland-Palatinate, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Str. 9-11, 55543 Bad Kreuznach, Germany (P.M.)
| | - Anna Mandel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Helios Clinic, 47805 Krefeld, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Cavagna
- Department of Rheumatology, University and IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Xenofon Baraliakos
- Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet Herne, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44649 Herne, Germany
| | - George Bertsias
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Rebecca Hasseli
- Department of Internal Medicine D, Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Munster, 48149 Munster, Germany
| | - Pascal Minnich
- Rheumatology Center Rhineland-Palatinate, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Str. 9-11, 55543 Bad Kreuznach, Germany (P.M.)
| | - Andreas Schwarting
- Rheumatology Center Rhineland-Palatinate, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Str. 9-11, 55543 Bad Kreuznach, Germany (P.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Perricone C, Cafaro G, Fiumicelli E, Bursi R, Bogdanos D, Riccucci I, Gerli R, Bartoloni E. Predictors of complete 24-month remission and flare in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3391-3397. [PMID: 36566303 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00976-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
To date, few papers investigated the predictive factors of sustained 24-month remission and of flare in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). We retrospectively evaluated clinical charts from PMR patients. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at 1 month, 3 months and subsequently at 6, 12 and 24 months. We analyzed the differences between patients who achieved remission within 6 months of diagnosis, those who achieved remission at 24 months, and patients who did not. Among 137 patients, 57 (41.6%) achieved remission at 6 months and complete remission at 24 months was achieved by 104 patients (75.9%). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate at baseline was higher in patients who did not achieve remission than in patients who achieved it (p = 0.012). Female patients were less likely to achieve complete remission (45/68, 66.2% vs. 59/69, 85.5%, p = 0.01) compared to males. Fifty-four patients (39.4%) experienced at least one flare. Patients who did not achieve sustained complete remission suffered a flare more often (22/39 vs. 32/98, p = 0.01) and earlier than patients who did (10.33 ± 7.89 months vs. 13.64 ± 6.97 months, p = 0.011). Multivariate analysis confirmed that female sex (RR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.9) and higher baseline prednisone dosage (RR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.007-1.109) were negative independent predictors of complete remission at 24 months. A significant percentage of patients with PMR requires prolonged steroid treatment and may experience flares at 24 months of follow-up. Female sex and higher baseline prednisone dosage are negative independent predictors of complete remission at 24 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Perricone
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Cafaro
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Fiumicelli
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Bursi
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Dimitrios Bogdanos
- Internal Medicine and Autoimmune Diseases, Department Internal Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ilenia Riccucci
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gerli
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini, 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
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Hysa E, Vojinovic T, Gotelli E, Alessandri E, Pizzorni C, Paolino S, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. The dichotomy of glucocorticosteroid treatment in immune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases: an evidence-based perspective and insights from clinical practice. Reumatologia 2023; 61:283-293. [PMID: 37745141 PMCID: PMC10515127 DOI: 10.5114/reum/170845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) are the most used anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs due to their effectiveness in managing pain and disease modification in many immune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). However, their use is limited because of adverse effects (AEs). Material and methods The authors analyzed recent studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational, translational studies and systematic reviews, providing an in-depth viewpoint on the benefits and drawbacks of GC use in rheumatology. Results Glucocorticosteroids are essential in managing life-threatening autoimmune diseases and a cornerstone in many IRDs given their swift onset of action, necessary in flares. Several RCTs and meta-analyses have demonstrated that when administered over a long time and on a low-dose basis, GC can slow the radiographic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by at least 50%, satisfying the conventional definition of a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). In the context of RA treatment, the use of modified-release prednisone formulations at night may offer the option of respecting circadian rhythms of both inflammatory response and HPA activation, thereby enabling low-dose GC administration to mitigate nocturnal inflammation and prolonged morning fatigue and joint stiffness. Long-term GC use should be individualized based on patient characteristics and minimized due to their potential AEs. Their chronic use, especially at medium/high dosages, might cause irreversible organ damage due to the burden of metabolic systemic effects and increased risk of infections. Many international guidelines recommend tapering/withdrawal of GCs in sustained remission. Treat-to-target (T2T) strategies are critical in setting targets for disease activity and reducing/discontinuing GCs once control is achieved. Conclusions Glucocorticosteroids' use in treating IRDs should be judicious, focused on minimizing use, tapering and discontinuing treatment, when possible, to improve long-term safety. Glucocorticosteroids remain part of many therapeutic regimens, particularly at low doses, and elderly RA patients, especially with associated chronic comorbidities, may benefit from long-term low-dose GC treatment. A personalized GC therapy is essential for optimal long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Tamara Vojinovic
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Alessandri
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
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Geressu A, Sultan Z, Bukhari M. Bone mineral density in patients diagnosed with giant cell arteritis taking glucocorticoids: a case-control study. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2023; 7:rkad020. [PMID: 36844917 PMCID: PMC9950852 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The standard treatment for GCA is high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs). It is unknown whether GCs are more detrimental to BMD at the spine or the hip. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GCs on BMD at the lumbar spine and hip in patients with GCA being treated with GCs. Methods Patients who were referred for DXA at a hospital in the north-west of England between 2010 and 2019 were included. Two patient groups were identified: patients with GCA on current GC (cases) were matched 1:4 based on age and biological sex to those referred to the scanner with no indication for scanning (controls). Logistic models were fitted looking at the spine and hip BMD, unadjusted and adjusted for height and weight. Results As would be expected, this gave an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.280 (95% CI 0.071, 1.110) at the lumbar spine, OR of 0.238 (95% CI 0.033, 1.719) at the left femoral neck, OR of 0.187 (95% CI 0.037, 0.948) at the right femoral neck, OR of 0.005 (95% CI 0.001, 0.021) at the left total hip and OR of 0.003 (95% CI 0.001, 0.015) at the right total hip. Conclusion The study has shown that patients diagnosed with GCA receiving GC treatment have a lower BMD at the right femoral neck, left total hip and right total hip compared with controls in patients of the same age and biological sex after adjusting for height and weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Geressu
- Corresponding author. University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Ashton Road, Lancaster LA1 4RP, UK. E-mail:
| | - Zain Sultan
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Lancaster, UK
| | - Marwan Bukhari
- Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Concurrent baseline diagnosis of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2022; 56:152069. [PMID: 35858507 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) can be concurrent diseases. We aimed to estimate the point-prevalence of concurrent GCA and PMR. Additionally, an incidence rate (IR) of GCA presenting after PMR diagnosis in patients was estimated. METHODS Two authors performed a systematic literature search, data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently. Studies assessing cohorts of patients presenting with both GCA and PMR were included. The outcomes were point-prevalence of concurrent GCA and PMR and IR for development of GCA after PMR diagnosis. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate a pooled prevalence of concurrent PMR and GCA. RESULTS We identified 29 studies investigating concurrent GCA and PMR. Only two studies applied imaging systematically to diagnose GCA and none to diagnose PMR. GCA presenting after PMR diagnosis was assessed in 12 studies but imaging was not applied systematically. The point-prevalence of concurrent GCA present at PMR diagnosis ranged from 6%-66%. The pooled estimate of the point-prevalence from the meta-analysis was 22%. The point-prevalence of PMR present at GCA diagnosis ranged from 16%-65%. The pooled estimate of the point-prevalence from the meta-analysis was 42%. The IR ranged between 2-78 cases of GCA presenting after PMR per 1000 person-years. CONCLUSION This review and meta-analysis support that concurrent GCA and PMR is frequently present at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, we present the current evidence of GCA presenting in patients after PMR diagnosis. These results emphasize the need for studies applying imaging modalities to diagnose GCA.
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The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Antagonists (Anti TNF-α) in Personalized Treatment of Patients with Isolated Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Past and Possible Future Scenarios. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030329. [PMID: 35330329 PMCID: PMC8953282 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the cornerstone of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) therapy, but their long-term use (as is usually necessary in PMR patients) can induce many adverse events. Alternatives have long been sought. The primary aim of our narrative review is to provide an overview about the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) drugs in patients with PMR, and discuss advantages and disadvantages. Materials and methods: we performed a non-systematic literature search (PRISMA protocol not followed) on PubMed and Medline (OVID interface). Results and Conclusions: only two anti TNF-α drugs have been prescribed to PMR patients: infliximab in 62 patients and etanercept in 28 patients. These drugs were normally used in addition to GCs when significant comorbidities and/or relapsing PMR were present; less commonly, they were used as first-line therapy. In general, they have been scarcely successful in patients with PMR. Indeed, randomized controlled trials did not confirm the positive results reported in case reports and/or case series. However, an administration schedule and study design different from those proposed in the past could favour new scenarios in the interest of PMR patients.
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Feasibility and usefulness of a fast-track clinic for patients suspected of polymyalgia rheumatica: notes for a work schedule through a narrative review of published literature. Reumatologia 2021; 59:323-329. [PMID: 34819707 PMCID: PMC8609375 DOI: 10.5114/reum.2021.110600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Fast-track clinics (FTC) have been introduced in different fields and have been reporting significant outcomes in terms of reducing mortality, morbidity, and financial costs. To date, scarce evidence is available for FTC specific for patients suspected of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The primary aim of our paper is to provide an overview of the clinical impact of PMR on patients and the healthcare system by analysing multiple aspects: the median time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and the burden of the disease both on the healthcare system costs and on patients' quality of life (QoL). Secondarily, based on these data, we aim to discuss the potential advantages and feasibility of a PMR FTC in everyday clinical practice. Material and methods We performed a narrative non-systematic review (PRISMA protocol not followed) of PubMed and Medline (OVID interface) with the following MeSH terms: [polymyalgia rheumatica AND diagnosis OR diagnosis, delayed OR patient care OR early diagnosis OR length of stay OR costs OR healthcare system OR quality of life] or [polymyalgia rheumatica AND glucocorticoids AND side effects]. We decided to exclude every paper that did not report raw data in terms of diagnostic time or delay, hospitalization rate, socio-economic costs on the healthcare system, patients' QoL, and glucocorticoids-related events in PMR patients. Papers focused primarily on giant cell arteritis patients with overlapping PMR were also excluded. Abstract archives of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) congresses of the last 10 years were screened and included in the search if raw data were available. Each paper's reference list was scanned for additional publications meeting this study's aims. When papers reported data partially presented in previous articles, we opted to use the most recently published data. Results According to our literature review, a PMR FTC might lighten the burden of the disease. Nevertheless, its feasibility depends mostly on the resources of the national health system and of the territorial health district, which are heterogeneously limited. The usefulness of PMR FTCs depends on closer collaboration with the general practitioner because he/she is the first clinician to visit patients with PMR. Conclusions Polymyalgia rheumatica fast-track clinics might lighten the burden of the disease. However, it has some limits that should carefully assessed in planning health policies.
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